Railway truck



Feb; 7, 1939.

D S. BARROWS RAILWAY 'TRUCK Filed June 14, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 7, 1939. D, 5 BARRQWS 2,146,200

RAILWAY TRUCK 4 Sheets-Sheet2 Filed June 14, 1932 Feb. 7, 5 BARRQWS 2,146,200

RAILWAY TRUCK Filed June 14, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Joya/b 45: fla 01015 Patented: Feb. 7, 1939 UNITED- STATES PATIENT OFFICE RAILWAY TRUCK Donald S. Barrows, Rochester, N. Y., assignor to The Symington-Gould Corporation, Rochester, N. Y., a. corporation of Maryland Application June 14, 1932, Serial No. 617,228

17 Claims. (Cl. 105-1971) side frames by means of nests of springs involving leaf or elliptic springs associated with helical springs, the leaf or elliptic springs being taller than the helical springs andthe bolster modified to receive the portions of the elliptic springs which extend above the helical springs.

Another object of my invention is. to improve the conditions which elliptic springs must meet when working in parallel with coils by increasing the free height of the elliptic springs and forming the leaves of greater camber to insure that under full compression they will not reach the plane of contraflexure.

A further object of my invention is the provision of supporting a bolster by means of coil and elliptic springs, said elliptic springs being taller than the coil springs so that the outer ends of the elliptic springs are correspondingly raised, thereby keeping better within the external clearance line.

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and constructution of the various parts will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention:

Figure l isa partial side elevation of a truck particularly showing a portion of a side frame thereof with its associated spring plank, bolster and nest of springs.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view of the frame and bolster on the line 2-4 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, a portion of the bolster and the associated springs bein shown in elevation.

Figure 3- is a fragmentary plan of the spring plank and nest of springs supportedthereby.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan of the end portions of the bolster.

Figures 5 and 6 are views corresponding, .respectively, to Figures 1 and 2, but showing a modification.

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view of a spring plate suitable for disposition between the springs and spring plank illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the spring plank and springs being diagrammatically illustrated, and the section being taken on the line 'l--l of Figure 8, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 8 is a plan of the spring plate shown in Figure '7, the springs being partially diagrammatically illustrated.

Figure 9 is a sectional view of the plate on the line 9-4 of Figure 8, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figures 10 and 11 are fragmentary detail sectional views on the correspondingly numbered lines in Figure 8, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figures 12 and 13 are views corresponding, respectively, to Figures 1 and 2, but showing another modification.

Referring to the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters,

and first considering the embodiment of my in vention illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, there is shown a portion of a truck I comprising a side frame 2 preferably formed of cast steel, although I do not wish to be limited to this as certain advantages may be secured when using frames of other than cast construction. The frame 2 comprises a compression, member 3, a tension member 4, and spaced bolster guide columns 5, spacing intermediate portions of said compression and tension members, and leaving a window opening 6 therebetween.

The tension member 4 between the bolster columns 5 is preferably'generally box-shaped in cross-section, and comprises an upper web I forming a spring plank seat portion, a lower web 8, and side webs 9. For rigidifying and strengthening the side frame, and particularly the tension member and the junctions between the tension member and bolster guide columns, said tension member is preferably upwardly convoluted or embossed along the longitudinal center line of the frame adjacent the junctions with the bolster guide columns to form upper diagonally disposed web portions lfl which start near the center of the spring plank seat portion or upper may be employed, if desired.

The reinforcements in also reduce the-effective depth of the window opening 6, thereby making it desirable to decrease the height of the front or outer guide lugs l2 on the bolster 13, or eliminating them entirely so that the bolster may be inserted and withdrawn without difficulty. The rear or inner bolster guides l4 may be of the usual or greater depth, if desired. 1

In order to provide adequate spring supporting area, the upper web 1 between the guide columns is laterally extended beyond the webs 9, as indicated at I5. These extensions are preferably braced with respect to the webs 9 by triangular gusset portions l6, both inwardly and outwardly of the frame.

Considering the tension member 4, it will be seen that the main portion thereof is substantially horizontal between the guide columns 5 on its upper face, and curved at its lower portion beneath the guide columns. The spring plank seat portion or upper web I is extended diagonally upward from the corners of the window opening 6 toward the ends of the frame, the lower web 8 curving beneath the guide columns and extending diagonally upwardly, and the entire tension member finally uniting with the compression member adjacent the ends of the frame, as is usual.

The convoluted portions ill of the tension member are preferably of less width than the main portion, may be of a width corresponding approximately to that of the bolster guide column at the upper or outer ends, and may be tapered or decreased in width slightly toward the inner ends, as indicated by the corresponding convolutions I! on the spring plank II. On account of the reinforcements III, the areas of the spring supporting portion 1 of the tension member effective for the support of the bolster spring is decreased, and it is necessary to similarly convolute the spring plank, as indicated at I1, so that it will properly nest on the spring supporting portion of the frame, thereby at the same time providing for interlocking between the plank and frame.

In the present embodiment, I have shown a nest of springs employed using elliptic or leaf springs as well as helical or coil springs. Said nest of springs comprises an elliptic spring or spring set it! comprising two groups or banks IQ of curved plate springs spaced at their ends by castings or members and held in operative relation by upper and lower center bands 2| and 22, respectively. Two helical or coil springs or spring sets 23 are employed on each side of the elliptic spring or spring means Hi. If desired, a spring plate 24 is disposed between the spring plank H and the springs, said spring plate being desirably formed with upwardly offset portions or flanges 25 for properly positioning the springs, and desirably corrugated or convoluted, as indicated at 26, to properly nest with the spring plank II.

In order to provide an arrangement in which the elliptic spring plates i9 will not be flexed beyond the point of contrafiexure even when the coil or helical springs are compressed solid or compressed upon a full downward movement of and 30, at its outer and inner portions, so as to overlie the top of the elliptic spring with approximately uniform clearance therebetween.

The upwardly convoluted portion of the bolster web 28 is desirably rigidifled with respect to the side webs 3| of the bolster by transverse web or gusset portions 32, the position of said reinforcing portions preferably corresponding approximately with the depending spring band positioning lugs 33. The surface of the convoluted web 28 where it overlies the upper spring band 2| is desirably relieved, as indicated at 33, or formed convex downwardly to allow for equalization between the bolster and upper spring band 2 l The portions of the web 28 on opposite sides of the pocket 21 are desirably formed with depending spring positioning lugs 34 adapted to interlock with the helical springs 23. Although the foregoing description has been confined to a single frame, and the drawings show a portion of only one frame at one side of the truck, it will be understood that my truck preferably comprises a pair of frames, such as. shown in the drawings, each of said frames receiving the corresponding ends of the bolster and spring plank, as well as the corresponding bolster springs and accessories.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 5 to 11, inclusive, there is shown a portion of a truck I involving a pair of side frames 2, only a portion of one of which is illustrated, each of which comprises, as in the preceding embodiment, a compression member 3 a tension member 4, and bolster guide columns or struts 5 spacing intermediate portions of said members 3 and 4 and spaced to leave a window openingii therebetween. In the present embodiment, I have shown a frame of the conventional type rather than one of the type described and claimed in my Patent No. 1,652,808, of December 13, 1927, but I do not wish to be limited to this showing. The upper web 1 of the tension member 4 is increased in width beneath the window opening ii to provide spring supporting portions of adequate area, as in the preceding embodiment.

Extending between the side frames 2 and with its ends resting on the spring supporting portions 1 of the frames is a spring plank ll. Said spring plank at each end receives a nest of springs comprising an elliptic spring or spring set l8 involving two groups or banks l 9 of curved plate springs, spaced at their ends by castings or members 20*,and held in operative relation by upper and lower center bands 2| and 22, respectively, as in the preceding embodiment. Two helical or coil springs or spring sets 23 are employed on one side of the elliptic spring or spring means It. At the other end of the spring plank the arrangement is reversed, so that the centers of the elliptic springs lie on diagonals through the center of the spring plank, and the centers of the helical springs also lie on diagonals through the center of said plank.

By virtue of the foregoing arrangement, the torsional moment due to the unavoidable difference between the elliptic and coil capacity at one end of the bolster I3 is balanced by a corresponding but oppositely acting torsional moment at the opposite end of the bolster. This balancing is also due to the fact that the line joining the centers of pressure of the elliptic springs at opposite ends of the bolster passes through the vertical axis of the bolster and associated king pin (not shown). It will also be seen that the lines joining the centers of pressure of the corresponding coil springs at opposite ends of the bolster and spring plank also pass through the vertical center line of the bolster and intersect the diagonal line joining the centers of pressure .of the elliptic springs at the same point. By

virtue of this opposite positioning of the helical and elliptic springs at opposite ends of the bolster and spring plank, the view looking from the outside of the truck at one side frame and its associated parts, as illustrated in Figure 5, also properly represents a view looking from the outside of the other side frame and its associated parts, as

will be understood.

As in the preceding embodiment, the elliptic springs l8 are formed taller than the helical springs 23 with the excess height thereof received in downwardly opening pockets 21 in the bolster. Each pocket is desirably formed by convoluting the lower web 28 of the bolster so that portion of the elliptic spring l8, such, for exam- ,nle, as shown in Figure 2. The convoluted portion of the bolster web 28' may be rigidified, reinforced and otherwise constructed, except as specifically shown and described in connection with the present embodiment, as illustrated and described in connection with the preceding embodiment. e

In Figures 5 and 6, the springs I8 and 23"31'8 shown resting directly on a plate or cap 24 although it will be understood that they may, if desired, rest directly'on the plank I I.

installations using both coil and elliptic springs,

the spring band has projected through an opening in the supporting plate. This is undesirable from the standpoint of shimming, as the band would undoubtedly penetrate the shim because of high bearing pressure. To obtain a better distribution, and, therefore, avoid thiscondition, I

' have devised a plate which houses the band, and

in order not to overstress the leavesof the elliptic spring, I have provided for elevating the coil spring bearing portions, as will be subsequently described. It is, therefore, preferred that the springs rest on a plate 24' such as shown in detail in Eigures 7 toll, inclusive. Said plate is desirably of cast construction, although it will be "understood that some of the advantages may be secured by making the plate of pressed steel, or in some other way.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures '7 to 11,.inclusive; the spring plate is desirably T- .shaped in plan, the stem of the T having a rectangular reception for the band of the elliptic spring and the top or head portion of the Thaving helical spring positioning means which are pref-j erably at a different elevation from the rectanl gular elliptic spring reception. The spring plate The web 35 preferably has an upstanding peripheral flange portion 31, generally straight parts of which serve to properly position the'elliptic spring In earlier Iii and the helical springs 23. For this purpose, a portion 38. at the periphery of the relatively narrow part 39 of the web 35 underlying the elliptic spring l8 is formed with angularly disposed portionsfifl and 4| which partially embrace the lower spring band 22 for maintaining the same in proper position.

As the peripheral flange 31 approaches the wider part of the plate 24, it preferably curves outwardly, as indicated at 42, and then inwardly, as indicated at 43, to provide curved walls which lie in partially embracing relationship with the outer coils 44 of the helical springs 23 alternative, the flange portions 4| may extend toward, but stop short of, the coil supporting portion of the plate 24, said portion being provided with usual central spring centering lugs or flanges, positioned where the plate is now apertured, as indicated at 4!.

The positioning of the springs by the curved and angular peripheral flange or rib portion 31 is supplemented by a curved intermediate portion 45, which may be omitted, if desired. If central spring positioning means are employed, lying between the adjacent ends of the curved portions 43 of the peripheral flange and serving to limit movement of the springs 44 toward one another. This positioning function is supplemented by a As an 1 generally triangular upwardly extending, preferably hollow. boss or flange portion 46 lying in the generally triangular space between the lower spring band 2'2 and the outer coils 44 of the helical springs 23. The separator portion 46 may be formed as a mere straight flange or lug parallel to the flange portion if central lugs or flanges n are used for the coil springs. As a flnal means of properly positioning the, elliptic spring with respect to the plate, lugs 41 may be provided lying on opposite sides of the lower spring band 22 adjacent the inner end or side of said band. In the present embodiment, these lugs 41 extend upwardly from the plate or web 35 and are formed hollow and generally semicylindrical. In order to raise the supporting level for the helical springs to allow for the thickness of the elliptic spring band 22 the web 35 is provided with upwardly extending annular corrugations 42 and 43 for supporting the outer and inner coils 44 and 44 respectively.

In order toavoid interference with the plate springs where they extend outwardly from the lowerspring band 22, the flange portion 31 of the spring plate 249 is desirably decreased in height or cut away, as indicated at 48, so that while the coil or elliptic springs have relatively tall positioning flanges, the elliptic or plate springs have positioning flanges of adequate height, but not so high as to interfere with the desired flexing of the component plate springs. Although a preferred embodiment of my lower spring plate has been described in detail, it will be understood that 'I do not wish to be limited to theexact construction described other than as defined in the appended claims.

Referring now to the embodiment of. my invention illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, a construction is there disclosed corresponding to that of Figures. 1 to 4, inclusive, except that a conventional type of frame 2 is employed rather than .one of the type described and claimed in my Patent No. 1,652,808, previously referred to, and two helical springs 23 are disposed along the longitudinal center lines of the bolster l3 and spring plank l'l with elliptic springs or spring sets I8 on opposite sides thereof, rather than vice versa as in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive. As in the previous embodiment, however, the elliptic spring sets are taller than the helical springs, and the bolster is correspondingly notched or pocketed to receive the excess height of said elliptic springs, as will be understood from a consideration of the drawings. 7

From the foregoing disclosure, it will be seen that I have devised an improved truck involving the use of both helical and elliptic springs, the elliptic springs being taller than the helical springs and, if desired, longer than normal because the external clearance line becomes wider as the distance above the rail increases, thereby allowing a corresponding increased length of elliptic springs when the springs are raised from normal position above the rails. By increasing the height and camber of the springs, a more desirable working range is provided therefor, in

' that said springs need not be flexed beyond the point of contraflexure even when the associated helical springs are compressed solid or the bolster moved downwardly to the full extent of its travel.

Although I have shown certain embodiments of my invention employed with a frame of the type described and claimed in myPatent No. 1,652,808, previously referred to, and in certain forms I have shown the use of a spring plank and spring palte, or plates, it will be understood that any one of my embodiments may be employed with the type of frame desired, and with or without the spring plank, spring plates, or both, in accordance with the requirements.

If the plate 24 shown in Figures 7 to 11, inclusive, is used with a spring plank having a raised embossment at the end, said plate may be scalloped or cut away to clear the embossment and insure correct application of the coil elliptic portion may be omitted and replaced by spaced lugs disposed outwardly and inwardly of the band inthe angle between the outer and inner edges thereof and the plate springs held thereby.

Although only one side frame and corresponding end of the associated parts has been illustrated, it will be understood that the other side frame supports the bolster and spring plank, when employed, and associated parts in a corresponding manner. Although preferred embodiments of my invention have been illustrated, it will be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame formed with. compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions by spaced columns leaving a window opening therebetween, the tension member beneath the window opening having a spring supporting portion, a nest of springs supported by said spring supporting portion, and a bolster supported by said springs, said bolster having an integrally formed upwardly offset portion for receiving an elliptic spring and a plane portion integral with said bolster on one side of said offset portion, said nest of springs comprising elliptic spring means in bearing relation with said bolster offset portion and. upright helical springs in intimate contact with said bolster plane portion, spaced flanges extending downwardly from said offset portion and engaging said ellipticspring, dowels projecting downwardly from said plane portion and into said helical springs, said elliptic spring means comprising spaced upper and lower groups of plates and having a free height exceeding that of .the helical springs by an amount such that the latter are compressed solid before the former is flexed to its plane of contraflexure, and the upper portions of said helical springs being in the horizontal plane of and disposed in overlapping relation to the said upper group of plates longitudinally of the said, side frame.

2. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by spaced bolster guide columns leaving a window opening therebetween, the tension member beneath the window opening having a spring supporting portion, a nest of springs supported by said spring supporting portion, and a bolster supported by said-springs, said bolster having an integrally formed upwardly offset portion for receiving an elliptic spring and a horizontal portion integral with said bolster on one side of said offset portion, said nest comprising elliptic spring means in bearing relation with said offset portion and helical spring means in intimate contact with said horizontal portion, means extending downwardly from said offset and horizontal portions for retaining the springs in operable position, said oifset'portion being joined to the portion of the bolster inwardly thereof by a sloping web which lies approximately equidistant from the adjacent contour of the elliptic spring, said elliptic spring means comprising vertically spaced groups of spring plates, the free height of said elliptic spring means being such that the full vertical travel of the bolster is reached before the plates of said means are flexed to the plane of contraflexure, and the upper portions of said helical spring means being in the horizontal plane of and disposed so as to overlap the upper group of spring plates.

3. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions by spaced columns leaving a window opening therebetween, the tension member beneath the window opening being formed for the support of bolster springs, a nest of springs supported by said tension member, and a bolster supported by said springs, said nest of springs comprising elliptic spring means, and helical spring means disposed on opposite sides thereof, said bolster having an upwardly offset portion for receiving said elliptic spring means and portions on either side of said offset portion formed integrally with said bolster for resting on said helical'spring means, said offset portion being joined to the portions inwardly and outwardly thereof by sloping webs adapted to lie approximately equidistant from the upper contour of the elliptic spring said elliptic spring means comprising groups of resilient plates disposed one above another and having a free height exceeding that oi: the helical springs by an amount such that the latter are compressed solid before the former is flexed to its plane of contraflexure, the upper portions of said helical springs being in the horizontal plane of and overlapping the upper group of plates.

4. In a railway truck, in combination, a pair of side frames each formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions by spaced guide columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, a spring plank with its ends received in said openings and-supported by said tension members, an elliptic spring disposed on said plank on one side thereof adjacent one end and at the other side thereof adjacent the other end, and helical springs supported by said'plank adjacent each end on the side, oppositeto that of the corresponding elliptic spring for supporting the bolster load, said elliptic spring being of greater height than the helical springs, and the bolster having downwardly opening pockets receiving the portions of said elliptic springs extending above said helical springs. I

5. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions by spaced columns leaving a window opening therebetween, the tension member, beneath the window opening being formed, for supporting bolster springs, a nest of springs supported by said tension member, and a bolster supported by said springs, said nest comprising elliptic spring means and helical springs, one of said type of springs being disposed between two of said other type of springs, said bolster having an integral upwardly ofiset portion positioned inwardly of the end of said bolster for receiving said elliptic spring means, said 011- set portion being joined to the portion outwardly thereof by a sloping web which lies approximately equidistant from the upper contour of the elliptic spring, said elliptic spring means comprising spaced groups of plates and having a free height substantially exceeding that of the helical springs, the upper portion of the helical springs being in the horizontal plane of and disposed in overlapping relation to the upper group of elliptic spring plates longitudinally of the side frame.

6. A spring plate for supporting a nest of helical and elliptic springs and comprising a base web with an upstanding angularly disposed peripheral flange portion extending along three sides of a band of an elliptic spring for positioning said elliptic spring, means upstanding from said web for positioning helical springs, and :3. lug portion upstanding from the base web and serving as a separatorbetween the elliptic and helical springs.

'1. A bolster formed with an upwardly offset portion for receiving an elliptic spring, and a portion on one side thereof for resting on helical springs, said upwardly oiTset portion being joined to the portions outwardly and inwardly thereof by sloping web portions adapted .to lie approximately equidistant from the upper contour of the elliptic spring. a

8. In a truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and integrally connecting columns forming a window therewith, a load carrying member extending intosaid window and slidably cooperating with said columns, said load carrying member having spaced dowels disposed adjacent coil spring seats, a spring band seat between said dowels, said seat including spaced depending projections for embracing each edge of a spring band, a spring group including coil springs positioned by said dowels, a leaf spring having a band engaging'said band seat and embraced on each edge by said projections, a spring plate carried by said side frame, said spring plate including a spring band seat engaging and supporting a band of said leaf spring, and spaced dowels disposed adjacent said coil spring seats received by said coil springs.

9.- In a truck, the combination of a side frame integrally connecting columns forming a window therewith, a bolster having an end portion extending into said window and slidably cooperating with said columns, saidbolster having integral spaced coil spring positioning means disposed adjacent coil spring seats, a spring band seat between said positioning means and disposed in a plane spaced from said coil spring seats, said seat including spaced depending projections for embracing each edge of a spring band, a spring group including coil springs positioned by said positioning means, and a leaf spring having a band engaging. saidband seat and embraced on each edge thereof by saidprojections.

10. In a truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and integrally connecting columns forming a window therewith, a load carrying member extending into said window and slidably cooperating with said columns, said load carrying member having spaced coil spring positioning means disposed adjacent coil spring seats, a spring band seat between said positioning means, said seat including spaced depending projections for embracing each edge of a spring band, a spring group including coil springs positioned by said positioning means, and a leaf spring having a band engaging said band seat, said band seat being disposed at a different level from said coil spring seats and embraced oneach edge thereof by said 4 projections.

- 11. 'In a bolster, the combination of a seat portion and column guide cooperating portions, spaced dowels on said seat portion disposed adjacent coil spring seats, and a spring band seat on said seat portion between said dowels, and defined by spring band positioning me'anasaid band seat including projections adapted to embrace each side of a spring band, said spring band seat being substantially in alignment with the column guide cooperating portions.

12. A truck bolster having a spring group seat, said spring group seat including coil spring seats and a spring band seat, said band seat including projections adapted to embrace each side oi'a spring band, and said coil spring seats having means for positioning a coil spring; said proincluding tension and compression members and jections being disposed between said coil spring resiliently support the ends of said bolster, and

a T-shaped spring plate interposed between each of said spring units and the adjacent tensionmember; each of said plates consisting of a stem portion forming a rectangular receptacle for the spring band of the elliptic spring, and a head portion having a curved portion for positioning the helical springs, and an upstanding boss separating the elliptic and helical springs.

14. A T-shaped spring plate for a truck spring unit comprising elliptic and helical springs, said plate including a stem portion having a peripheral flange forming a rectangular recess for the spring band of the elliptic spring, a head portion having positioning means for the helical springs,

and an intermediate boss upstanding from said plate for positioning some of said springs.

15. A springplate for a truck spring unit comprising elliptic and helical springs, consisting of a web having a peripheral flange, said flange providing a substantially rectangular recess for the spring band of the elliptic spring, and curved portions for positioning the helical springs.

16. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame formed with compression and tension end portion extending within said window opening and provided with lugs engaging said spaced columns, said bolster end being normally supported by said spring nest and having springengaging surfaces formed integrally therewith in vertically spaced planes, the upper of which bears upon the elliptic spring means and the lower of which bears upon the helical springs, said elliptic spring means comprising spaced upper and lower groups of plates and having a free height exceeding that of the helical springs by an amount such that the latter reach their solid height before the former is flexed to its plane of contraflexure, and the upper portions of said helical springs being in the horizontal plane of the said upper group of elliptic spring plates.

17. A bolster formed with an upwardly offset portion for receiving an elliptic spring and a portion on one side thereof for resting on helical springs, a downwardly facing seat on said oifset portion forming a spring bearing for said elliptic spring, means defining said seat for positioning said elliptic spring, said upwardly offset portion being joined to the portion outwardly thereof by a sloping web which is adapted to lie approximately equidistant from the upper contour of theelliptic spring,

- DONALD S. BARROWS. 

